German Release of
High Chaparral on DVD
English/German audio
A 7 DVD set of The High Chaparral in German and English will be released on May 20th by Kinowelt, a leading film distributor and DVD provider in Germany. According to the company’s website they are also in the national and international licensing of film and television rights business.
The DVDs are in PAL (European) format with both German and English languages and Dolby sound. In the U.S an all region/all format DVD player is required to read the PAL formatted discs, however most newer model players are all region. Check the manufacturer/model documentation to be certain.
The set covers one season, presumably the first season although that is not specified. The website at Kinowelt has beautifully clear photos from first season episodes, and says there is an episode overview and trailer included.
Emails to Kinowelt inquiring about the source material and asking if this is a licensed, official release from NBC were not answered, but reports are the company has a legitimate history.
The set is listed on Amazon Germany for $39.95 EU.
The Next Best Thing to Being There:
A Peek at the Reunion DVD
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Henry Darrow reacts to a story during a fan discussion at
The High Chaparral 2009 Reunion
Those of you who were lucky enough to attend the 2009 High Chaparral Reunion have probably bought the Reunion DVD. For the rest of us, the DVD gives a taste of what it was like. We owe thanks to Susan McCray, Penny McQueen, and everyone else involved in the making of it. They have captured rare and special memories for us all.
We must also thank the cast and crew who made the journey, some from great distances, to be there for fans. I’d like to see some of today’s ‘stars’ - and I use the term loosely! - go that extra mile for their fans. Only yesterday I read an astonishing list of outrageous demands some celebrities make before they will bother making an appearance. These include things like a constant supply of fresh rose petals in their hotel toilet water, the installation of gold faucets, and toilet paper that matches one’s complexion (that one calls for a really sarcastic remark but I’ll let it go). Others insist on dozens of all white kittens, or puppies to play with for a few hours. What happens to the animals afterwards is of no consequence to these people. The DVD reminds us that true stars, while hard to come by, do still exist.
Unlike many of today’s celebrities, Henry Darrow, Don Collier, Rudy Ramos, Ted Markland, the McCrays and the rest have not forgotten that they are where they are because of their fans. This brings me to the first thing that stood out on the reunion DVD. The unassuming nature of these people. They’re legends for goodness sake, yet they laugh and joke and at all times, recognize the value of their fans. There was no trace of snobbery, just genuine camaraderie. It’s all over their faces that they are as happy to be attending the reunion as the fans were. Henry’s perpetual smile showed well his pleasure at being there. Don’s too – and his cheekiness. When presented with a surprise birthday cake, he asks if the lovely ladies carrying it come with the cake! Rudy Ramos is truly humble as he says, "Thank you, thank you thank you," to the fans for their support and love.
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Producer Kent McCray describes behind the scenes action at The High Chaparral ranch set during the 2009 reunion.
As an author, I tend to encounter more authors than the average person does and barring a few, who I am fortunate enough to call my friends, one thing that can be a bit annoying is their constant push to promote themselves and their titles. When Henry was asked what he had been doing of late, I thought, ‘Oh, here’s a good chance to publicize your upcoming autobiography.’ But did he? No. I was quite surprised by this as it’s a natural thing for an author to do, especially when the book is soon to be published, as Henry’s is. He talked about films and plays he had done, even admitting one was B-grade (more modesty) though I’ve heard good things about this movie and let’s face it, some B-grade movies are thoroughly enjoyable! Did he take the opportunity to push sales? No. I admired him for this. So I will take a moment now to remind you to keep an eye open for it. (editor's note: www.henrydarrowbook.com for the latest news.)
We learn some of the history of Old Tucson. I didn’t know that it is the only existing western homestead surviving from the days when these classics were made. Those behind the scenes, including producer Kent McCray, reveal interesting information about the logistics of the show. I was also surprised to discover that it was the 42nd reunion and had no idea that the wonderful music featured in HC episodes came from the mind and pen of Susan McCray’s father, Harry Sukman.
I was delighted to see that the entire question and answer session was recorded. That the stars stayed until every fan’s question was answered speaks volumes for their dedication to us all. Funny memories are shared about Leif Erickson and Cameron Mitchell. We laugh with Don Collier as he tells an amusing story about the ‘bubble double’ he needed for his Hubba Bubba gum commercial. Henry’s anecdote about walking into the wrong hospital room and causing a woman to have a turn when she sees a famous face, gives us another unforgettable flashback. Kent McCray as Master of Ceremonies keeps everyone in order and tells many 'behind the scenes' stories of his own.
Rudy Ramos, Henry Darrow and Don Collier at the 2009 reunion.
More giggles follow when the stars are asked about their first times on horseback, including good natured ribbing of Rudy Ramos. It brought back a long forgotten memory of my own experience years ago. Before I was ready, the horse bolted, causing me to lose the reins. This left me madly clutching its mane which did not impress it one bit. Then, just as suddenly, the animal stopped in its tracks to graze... and I shot right over its head, landing flat on my back in the grass. I opened my eyes to see blue sky and a close up of black, velvety nostrils. The horse wore a rather surprised expression as if to say, ‘Where did you come from?’ Being reminded of my own funny story, made me feel part of the reunion.
Finally, there is a poignant break in the live discussion when Bob Hoy’s telephone message is played for the fans. As we know, Bob recently lost his battle with cancer and was unable to attend. Knowing that this was his last ‘public’ appearance, I felt a lump in my throat as he promises to try to make the next reunion. When he closes wishing God’s blessing on us all, you can’t help stopping for a quiet moment.
One of the things I’ve always loved about film is how we can capture a moment in time. The other night I watched some old WWI footage and thought gosh, that group of men sharing a cigarette really did that at one time in the war. They’re gone now but will live forever on the celluloid. Filming the reunion was more than a souvenir keepsake. It captured moments in time where we see our favorite HC stars coming together for us. I’m so glad to have a copy. In my view, the footage on this rare DVD is a must for any fan of High Chaparral.
Order the High Chaparral
Reunion 2009 DVD
Experience The High Chaparral Reunion 2009 for yourself, with over two hours of the day at Old Tucson on this special Reunion DVD including:
- Welcome the cast and crew back to the set at Old Tucson
- Stories by Kent McCray at the Cannon Ranch House
- Panel Discussion at the Grand Palace
- Private lunch at El Vaquero
- ..more!
This is a limited edition DVD - once they're gone, they're gone. Don't delay, place your order now. $25 plus shipping/handling. Payments are processed securely via Paypal. Order here.
The High Chaparral Reunion 2011 Survey
It's hard to believe, but it's time to begin thinking about the 2011 High Chaparral Reunion! And YOU can give us your input on how that Reunion should happen. Please take a few minutes to take The 2011 Reunion Survey, and tell us what you think. Click here to take survey.
One of the biggest questions to be decided is LOCATION - either Tucson or Los Angeles. Tucson remains a favorite with both fans and many cast members, and if we return there we can gather at the original Cannon ranch house while enjoying the authentic desert scenery and southwestern atmosphere. Overall costs tend to be lower as well.
However in Tucson we do have fewer guest stars and crew members attend because of travel expenses, so by having a 2011 Reunion in Los Angeles we will likely have a larger guest list. Individual fan costs may be higher in order to support having those guests and hotel and food costs might be higher in L.A.
Either way, consider carefully and let your opinion be known on location and other things like activities and time of year by taking the survey.
Henry Darrow East Coast Appearance
Henry Darrow, High Chaparral's Manolito Montoya, will meet and greet fans on May 16th in New York, NY - a perfect opportunity for east coast fans to meet a favorite Chaparral star, get his autograph and a favorite photo or two.
Meet Henry at Your Second Childhood Memorabilia Show,
Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 10 am to 7 pm, at the
Holiday Inn, 440 W. 57th St.
New York, NY
SPECIAL FOR NEWSLETTER READERS!!! Take a printed copy of The High Chaparral Newsletter with you to Your Second Childhood Memorabilia Show and get a $5.00 discount off admission! Just print off the first page so the letterhead/logo shows and take it with you to the show.
Remember to visit henrydarrowbook.com.
Don Collier
Radio Spot
Don Collier (High Chaparral's ranch foreman Sam Butler) can be heard providing his one of a kind voice on a radio spot for conservative candidate J.D. Hayworth.
Hayworth is a U.S. Senate candidate in Arizona.
You can hear Don's voice-over here and visit Don on Facebook, too.
Bob Hoy Memories from BarBara Luna
Dear Penny & High Chaparral Family:
It's difficult to imagine that Bobby Hoy, the toughest Stunt guy in the business will no longer be with us. Remember in Arizona a couple of years ago when water on the steps caused him to slip and fall down the stairs coming out of the trailer? He was just so cool about it despite the fact he was dripping blood....even joking with the paramedics while they were bandaging his arm and leg....."C'mon" he said..."this is kid stuff".....I remember thinking.....he's gonna outlive us all.
I'm sure glad to have had the opportunity to work with him on HC....Bobby was certainly dedicated to his portrayal of Joe Butler, the stunt world, and the Western World....but, beyond that....he was a dedicated human being..... an extremely caring person and great fun to be around .....obviously his loyalty to The High Chaparral family and their loyalty to him says it all.
My sadness is with his devoted wife Kiva, son Christoper and family for the loss of such a fabulous guy..... however, their's so much about Bobby's life to celebrate! Whenever anyone thinks of Bobby, they will always feel their heart smile.....I know I will.
With great respect and much love,
BarBara Luna
Lauren Levian: Defining Herself
Lauren Levian and husband Henry Darrow
One day in 1977, actress Lauren Levian rolled out of bed, threw on a sweat suit, chugged a cup of coffee and went to audition for the part of Lizzie in The Rainmaker. “Lizzie is always complaining about being plain and people are always calling her plain. I looked quite right for the part because I looked awful!”
She knew that the star of the show, the man playing Starbuck, was a “name” actor and that he would decide who played opposite him as Lizzie, but that was all she knew. When she walked in, the play’s director introduced her to the star, a tall man in a black outfit, saying, “Lauren, I want you to meet Henry Darrow.”
Levian – not a big television-watcher to begin with – was attending college in the sixties and early seventies and too busy to watch TV. She had never seen The High Chaparral or heard of Darrow, but says, “I didn’t know who he was, but I knew he was really something! He walked up and gave me this big double-dimple smile. That perked me up and I thought, ‘Whoa! I’m the only woman in the play and I’m going to be with this hottie!’”
Part of her audition included a scene with a kiss between Lizzie and Starbuck. At that time, Levian’s teeth crossed in the front, reminding Darrow of screen legend Gene Tierney’s cute overbite. Unfortunately, when they kissed Darrow’s lip got caught in Levian’s cute overbite. When he pulled away, blood spurted everywhere. “How could he resist me after that?” she jokes.
He couldn’t and calls her “the best thing that ever happened to me”. They married in 1982. After years of living and performing in California, they moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in 2002. They share their lives with a number of friends and enjoy being part of the vibrant local arts community. Darrow keeps his hand in acting while Levian devotes her energies to their real-estate business. Their marriage has had its ups and downs, but the love, appreciation, devotion and sense of humor in their relationship is obvious and profound. Says Darrow, “Without her, I would be devastated.” And by the end of 2008, the possibility of an unhappy future without her weighed on his mind.
A routine mammogram showed suspicious cells in her left breast and this was confirmed by a follow-up mammogram. Levian scheduled a tissue biopsy to be certain. “I had it done on New Years’ Eve, December 31st, just to show you how exciting my social life is,” she recalls with a laugh.
Lauren Levian and husband Henry Darrow
The biopsy turned up mostly pre-cancerous cells, however there were a few cancerous cells. She says, “I couldn’t help but feel lucky and positive. If they hadn’t seen something on the mammogram, it could have just stayed there and developed. It was what is called ‘ductile’. It was not invasive and was basically at Stage Zero.”
Next, she had to choose the treatment -- chemotherapy, radiation or mastectomy. To be on the safe side, she chose to have a mastectomy. Nearly a year after her initial mammogram, Levian is cancer-free. Throughout it all, including five surgeries, Darrow marveled at her upbeat attitude.
“It was harder on Henry than on me,” she says. “He couldn’t fix it and for men, fixing things is a way to show love. I wasn’t scared because I could feel what was going on inside me and I just knew I would be okay. I could feel some control. But Henry didn’t have any control and it’s difficult for men when they feel helpless.”
Still, her cancer brought them closer together. “We’ve always been close and had a lot of fun together, but it made me realize how important our relationship was for him and for me. It made us focus on how much we love each other and really appreciate each other.” She has also become much more conscious of her friends and making time to get together socially. “I’ve always been a work-oriented person and the cancer made me realize maybe that shouldn’t be the priority. The same things that made me grumpy before still make me grumpy, but I feel particularly lucky. I just look forward to things – to the holidays, to spending time with Henry and with my friends.”
Feeling lucky and accentuating the positive contribute to an optimistic attitude that Lauren Levian believes is a foremost weapon in the cancer survivor’s arsenal. “Having a good mental attitude is absolutely key! I’m probably this oblivious Pollyanna, but I just knew I would be fine,” she says. Although she wasn’t pleased with the way she looked in the mirror, it didn’t get her down. “It seems weird to say, but I thought of the way I looked with no breast and a messed-up left side as temporary. I thought okay, I’ll fix this eventually.” Although infections initially delayed reconstruction, Levian is satisfied with the results.
She isn’t satisfied that unlike her, low-income women in the Wilmington area don’t have access to mammograms. That lack of early screening is deadly. She notes, “If you catch breast cancer early enough, it’s very, very survivable. It’s so important to get mammograms, but the mammogram program for poor women was discontinued due to lack of funding.” Levian wondered how to help, then her husband brought a valuable new friend into her life.
While filming the western legends installment for the PBS series “Pioneers in Television”, Henry Darrow mentioned to producer Gail Calloway that his wife had breast cancer. It turned out that Calloway also had breast cancer and was then going through treatment. In no time, Levian and Calloway were fast friends discussing how to make educational materials and cancer screening available to low-income women.
One day, Levian joked that they should do a fundraising calendar. To her surprise, Calloway seriously thought it was a good idea. The two women set up a non-profit organization, The TaTa’s Sisterhood of the Cape Fear (Wilmington is in the Cape Fear region) for networking and breast cancer support. Then they recruited Alison Breiner, one of the premier photographers in the area, to shoot photos for the calendar.
Ready in the fall 2010, the calendar will be artistically rendered semi-nude photos of breast cancer survivors and will celebrate the beauty of women of all ages and shapes. Proceeds from calendar sales will be donated to Cape Fear area charities providing direct care to people with cancer, such as education materials, cancer screening and medical transportation for low-income people.
Lauren Levian stresses, “It’s important not to become your disease. My illness doesn’t define who I am.” Instead, her upbeat personality and big heart defined her illness, turning it into something constructive for herself, those who love her and her community.
For more information about the TaTa’s Sisterhood, to see an example of Alison Breiner’s photographs for the calendar or to order a calendar, please visit the TaTa’s Facebook page.
© 2010 Jan Pippins
Editor's note: The Wilmington Star News carried this article about Lauren and the TaTa's Sisterhood.
News from our Readers
Reader Woody Irvine passes along the tributes at www.findagrave.com for Bob Hoy, Leif Erickson, Cameron Mitchell, Rudolfo Acosta, Frank Silvera, Nino Cochise, and guest star Alex Montoya.
In Memory, Bill Wistrom and Vincent Gutierrez
Bill Wistrom (left) with Kent and Susan McCray at the 2005 High Chaparral Reunion
Bill Wistrom
Veteran sound editor Bill Wistrom died on March 10, 2010 at the age of 74. He was the Supervising Sound Editor on The High Chaparral.
In the business for over fifty years, he edited sound sound effects on such classic films as To Catch a Thief, The Court Jester, The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Ten Commandments, Funny Face, Vertigo, Hatari!, The Nutty Professor, and El Dorado. He was supervising sound editor on Bonanza during the entire run of that show (1959-1973). He also supervised the sound editing on shows like The Waltons, Kojak, and Falcon Crest. Most recently, he served as the supervising sound editor on all of the Star Trek spin-off series: Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise.
Wistrom received 17 Emmy Award nominations throughout his entire career; he won six of them, four of which were for his work on Next Generation. He also won Emmys for the 1979 TV movie Friendly Fire and the 1982 TV movie Inside the Third Reich. Additional film credits include The Wind and the Lion, The Muppet Movie, 'Raise the Titanic, and Silent Night, Deadly Night. In 2008, he was award the Career Achievement Award by the Motion Picture Sound Editors.
Vincent Gutierrez
Vince Gutierrez, a Prime time Emmy-winning sound editor and longtime governor of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, died in his sleep on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at his home in Indio, California.
Gutierrez, whose career spanned more than 40 years, earned credits on over 700 hours of network primetime programming as a sound editor. He also logged a number of writing credits.
Gutierrez began his career at Paramount Pictures in 1964 as a member of the Motion Picture Film Editors Guild. He later joined the NBC Productions editorial staff, working on The High Chaparral and Bonanza.
In 1974, he became a postproduction supervisor for Michael Landon Productions. During his years with Landon, he also wrote numerous episodes of the series Little House on the Prairie, Father Murphy and Highway to Heaven.
Mark Slade Studio
Check out the RedactedRedux section on the Mark Slade Studio website for ongoing new work by Mark Slade.
Viewers can leave comments on the artwork postings for the artist.
Fans Plinio Romero and Woody Irvin send along vintage photos of Leif Erickson (Big John Cannon) and Linda Cristal (Victoria Montoya Cannon) for all to enjoy:
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Q&A
Question:
I heard about an old game called ‘Mumblypeg.’ How do you play it?
Answer:
Mumblypeg! What a great word. I expect you also watched Gunsmoke this week since it was mentioned there. An astonished Festus Hagen was telling all who would listen, ‘Hey, did you know Doc Adams plays mumblypeg?!’ I wondered about it too.
Mumblypeg (also called mumbledepeg, mumblety-peg and mumble-the peg) is an old game of chance that was popular among boys many years ago. It was certainly popular in the Old West. The game was played using pocket knives, which explains its decline in popularity. With today’s child safety laws, schools would never permit it and neither would most parents. I understand a few people still play it but the children are taught to use sharpened pencils instead of knives. I’m not sure how well the point of a pencil measures up for this game.
Two players stood face to face with their feet about 18” apart. The aim of the game was to have each player throw his knife (called a peg) and have it land, point in the ground, as close as possible to... their own foot! Oh dear. Should the knife land anywhere in the foot, which did happen, the player won by default. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. I’m not sure I’d feel like much of a winner if that happened to me. The loser had to pull the knives from the ground using his teeth. Presumably, this led to his grumbling as he did it, hence the name Mumblypeg. Aside from the cuts, think of the tetanus risk this game presented!
And now a question for fans: Can you recall a scene where Buck and Blue play a form of mumblypeg?
Question:
What’s the difference between a bandito and a comanchero? They both seem like bandits to me.
Answer:
A bandito, or bandit in English, is and always has been an armed thief or outlaw, usually belonging to a gang but can also travel alone. The word bandit comes from the word bandire meaning banned or to banish. Comancheros were originally nomadic traders of New Mexico. They adopted the name comanchero because the Comanche Indians were their best customers. In other words, the name came to represent those who traded with the Comanche. Their goods were not always the best quality and their sources sometimes questionable. This opened the door for the sales of stolen goods as well as those legitimately come by.
In 1961 the classic John Wayne movie, The Comancheros featured a band of criminals of mixed races; Indian, Mexican and white, all joined together to sell firearms and liquor to the Indians. They were called comancheros. It is probably this movie that led to the comancheros losing their identity as peddlers. Other movies followed, also presenting comancheros as gangs of bandits who either attacked towns and villages and/or sold stolen goods. Over time, what was originally a group of nomadic peddlers evolved into another form of bandit. The only difference between these ‘new’ bandits and the original banditos seems to be that while banditos tended to be the same race, the comancheros were a motley bunch of marauders that allowed for a mix of races to band together.
Appaloosa Followup
By W. St. Germain
To the Readers:
I would like to thank you for your feedback about my Feb. 2010 Appaloosa article and for pointing out that the horses ridden by James Arness and James Drury were not pure breed appaloosas. I was of two minds about this and everything I could find to try and confirm it either way said they both rode appaloosas. I could kick myself because I was going to invite readers to confirm this as I had a feeling they might be crosses. Lesson here, follow your hunches!
However, this has shown me what Penny has said all along; namely, what great people the newsletter readers are. I really do appreciate the feedback and the fact that people were so courteous in the way they pointed out that the horses were cross breeds and not pure.
By the way, the fact that James Drury rode an animal that was only 1/8 appaloosa shows how dominant the leopard gene can be. It is still recognizable yet only 'distant' as breeding goes. My sons would laugh and say, 'There she goes again. Mum can't help turning everything into a science lesson!' (They're right, I really must get out more).
It also illustrates another point. That the leopard gene's expression in each appaloosa is unique means that each animal's markings are unique. The possibilities that can appear as a result of carrying the gene are numerous and make it difficult in some cases, to do more than recognize its presence in a horse. This is part of the fun of the breed. They are all so very different in appearance yet so recognizable as a whole. This, and the fact that the appaloosa is the only breed I've ever owned, is why I chose to write about them first.
Nonetheless, I do apologize to everyone for being inaccurate in suggesting the animals were purebreeds. As I said, every reference I could track down said they were even though I wondered if there might be some mix in them.
Next time, if I am unsure about something, I will be asking for your comments!
Do you have a favorite piece of memorabilia, or an article you'd like to share with other fans? Send it to info@highchaparralnewsletter.com, and we'll do our best to add it to a future newsletter.
